Written by Marco Carvajal
Driving the LS 500
Driving the LS 500 AWD in Florida’s beautiful wide and long highways makes it easy to understand all the luxury and performance included in this automotive masterpiece. Driving the LS from Miami, going north on the I-95 for about 260 miles all the way to Daytona Beach. With hundreds of vehicles on the road, you can feel how the LS excels versus most other luxury sedans.
There is no limit when driving an LS, at the reach of your hands you have control, speed, precision steering, best breaking system, safety advance features, a great navigation system and control panel to produce the best driving experience with luxury all around you while onboard the LS 500.
LS means Luxury Sedan. This full-size luxury sedan has been available for sale since 1989. Previous generation LS models used V8 engines, however the new 5th generation comes with V6 engines standard. The first LS, the 400 was very successful and helped to establish Lexus as a luxury brand since 30 years ago, and today the LS 500 continues to position Lexus image as a great performance and luxury automobile.
2019 Lexus LS 500 Updates
This 2019 version is one of the most technologically advanced safety vehicles in the car industry, includes new standard features like the Lexus Safety System 2.0, Amazon Alexa and CarPlay functionality, Lexus Enform Remote with smart watch and Amazon Alexa skill integration, adding more value to this premium sedan. The 2019 updates extend to technology and a wider palette of exterior and interior colors.
The Lexus Safety System 2.0 adds additional advanced safety features to enhance the performance and confidence while driving this luxury machine. Daytime bicyclist detection and low-light pedestrian detection along with Road Sign Assist (RSA). Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and more features to provide the best safety to the LS driver and passengers.
To continue with amazing advance features, the LS includes standard Road Sign Assist (RSA) to display certain road sign information in the instrument panel, along with a Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) system, designed to detect lane markings to determine lane position and place the LS in the center of the lane when used in conjunction with the advanced All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. If road marks are not detected, then under certain conditions LTA is also able to follow the car ahead of the LS 500.
The list of updates continue with performance and design, it seems that Lexus wants to make sure that the LS 500 2019 is the best of the best in vehicle luxury and performance.
LS 500 AWD Highlights
The five-passenger prestige luxury sedan LS 500 is built on the platform of the high-performance LC coupe, the LS 500 features Lexus first-ever twin-turbocharged engine and detailed craftsmanship including three premium wood-trim designs.
- Pricing Starts at $78,670
- V6 Twin-Turbo Engine
- 3.5 L Displacement
- 416 HorsePower
- 4.6 seconds to 0–60 MPH
- 442 lb-ft Torque @ 1,600–4,800 RPM
- Valvetrain, four-cam, four valves per cylinder, with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and Electronic intake valve timing (VVT-iE)
- Certified Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV)
- MPG, 18 City / 27 Hwy / 21 Combined Estimate
- 21.7 gallons fuel-tank capacity
- 136 mph, top track speed
- 10-speed electronically controlled Direct-Shift automatic transmission with paddle shifters
According to many car experts the LS 500 has better performance than the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 AMG, with better cornering , better handling and braking.
LS Models and Pricing
I am test driving the base LS model, the LS 500 all-wheel drive.
- LS 500, starting at $75,450
- LS 500 F Sport, starting at $81,450
- LS 500 h (Hybrid), starting at $79,960
All three LS models are available as RWD or AWD
LS 500 F Sport
Great for luxury performance. This LS is designed with an F SPORT front fascia and mesh grille, LFA-inspired gauges, bolstered sport seats and aluminum pedals. The F Sport includes the most advanced vehicle dynamic control system.
416 HorsePower, 4.6 seconds to 0–60 MPH
LS 500 h (Hybrid)
All the luxury and power of the LS on a hybrid engine. Combining a powerful engine with two powerful electric motors and a self-charging lightweight lithium-ion battery. The LS 500 hybrid is the highest performance LS Hybrid ever.
Powerful instant torque and a 10-speed automatic transmission, combining the best efficiency with luxury as its best.
354 HorsePower, 5.1 seconds to 0–60 MPH
All three LS 500 models are great choices depending on the needs and personal taste of each Lexus drivers. The price range starting at $75K is competitive with all similar full size premium sedans available for sale.
New LS Platform
The new LS500 is built using a brand-new platform, the all-new premium rear-wheel drive platform (GA–L) first used for the 2018 LC 500. This new GA-L platform offers a dynamic experience on the road with an outstanding level of comfort and luxury, typical of Lexus.
